IMRT for Brain Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byBen Liem, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Some cancers can spread, or metastasize, to the brain. When they do, treatment often involves surgery and/or radiation. Optimal treatment of brain metastases would maximize disease control and minimize toxicity (or side effects), and improve the quality of life of patients. A common type of radiation used for brain metastases is called whole brain radiation, which treats not just the cancer that can be seen on scans (i.e., gross disease), but the smaller sites of cancer that may not be visible (i.e. subclinical disease). Fractionation is used to describe repetitive treatments in which small doses (fractions) of a total planned dose are given at separate clinic visits. The most common dosing regimen is 30 Gray (Gy), using 3 Gy per fraction over 10 fractions. Previous studies have suggested that using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) may be a safer way to deliver higher doses to gross disease and lower doses to the rest of the brain that may contain subclinical disease. This approach may spare the rest of the brain from radiation complications and side effects. The goal of this study is to determine whether using IMRT to treat brain metastases is more effective than current standard whole brain radiation in controlling gross disease and whether patient quality of life and hair loss is improved compared to previous studies using whole brain radiation.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with a performance status indicating they can care for themselves and are not bedridden. They must understand the study, consent to it, use birth control if of childbearing potential, and have a negative pregnancy test. Participants should have multiple brain metastases from solid tumors (excluding small cell lung cancer and germ cell malignancy) diagnosed within the last five years.

Inclusion Criteria

I am able to care for myself but may not be able to do active work.

I had surgery for brain metastases and still have some cancer seen on an MRI.

Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

+6 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have cancer that has spread to the lining of my brain and spinal cord.

I am scheduled for chemotherapy or targeted therapy during or right after brain radiation.

Contraindication to Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging

+5 more

Participant Groups

The trial tests Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) as an alternative to standard whole brain radiation for patients with brain metastases from primary cancers. It aims to see if IMRT better controls visible tumors while reducing side effects like hair loss and improving quality of life.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Radiation therapy to a dose of 60 Gray (Gy)/45 Gy to gross disease and 30 Gy to subclinical sites, delivered over 15 fractions